Ike’s Korner Grill - Home of the Challenge Burger

Every small town has a place to gather for good food, conversation and spirits. In historical Spartanburg, South Carolina that place is Ike's Korner Grill, located in the heart of Beaumont Mills. The family owned restaurant has been in the family for three generations now. I can recall being a young one and going to Ike's with my grandfather back in the day and after a visit recently, the place hasn't changed it's great friendly service or its burgers.

Little King recording artist, Singer/Songwriter Chuck "Charlyhorse" Johnson said that he "dreams of those cheeseburgers!" It's safe to say Ike's is where it's at, as for being the gathering spot to grab something good to eat. Every time I drive by, the parking lot is packed full of folks at all times of the day.

Ike's was opened by Ike Rodgers as the Lazy B Grill in 1960 and operated it until 1994, when Lewis Rodgers took over. These days, it is operated by husband and wife, Neil and Angela Rodgers, who are carrying on the tradition of this historical landmark. The two are hardworking smiling faces, ready to serve you the finest grill food around.

The hamburgers are hand patted, while a whole potato is cut and made into fries, as you watch. It's also a good place to get a nice cold beer, for the lowest price in town …and boy do I mean that. Inside, the walls are covered with memorabilia from over the years, including some of the famous folks who have passed through, such as the late NASCAR great and Spartanburg Native, Cotton Owens. It's a little cramped in Ike's, but that's what makes it special. There is a deck outside where, if the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal.

If you're really daring and think you have what it takes, I suggest you try the Ike's wall of fame burger. It consist of four burger patties, two slices of bologna, 12-16 slices of Bacon (at least), 6-8 slices of cheese, 2 eggs, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, chili, jalapenos and slaw on a bun. With that, you get your choice of fries or onion rings. Then, they throw in a tea to wash all that down. The catch is you have 45 minutes to eat this monster meal. If you succeed, you get a t-shirt that reads, "You Done the Deed", and you get your picture taken and placed on the wall so you can go down in history. I've noticed there are only a handful of folks who have "Done the deed."

So, if you're passing thru town and need a good place to stop and get a bite to eat, Ike's is your place. They have the best food, service and spirits for your dollar, in the whole town. It's a fact! (Voted "Best Burger" in the 2013 Best of Spartanburg competition)